Crows aim for three in row at state carnival

Share on social media

The reigning Men's QRL State Carnival champions, the Central Crows, will be aiming to make it three in a row when they face off against their Divisional (Region) rivals at this year's tournament, which kicks off this Friday (June 1, 2018).

Southport's Owen Park is once more playing host to an influx of rising talent in the Men's and Women's games; with players from across the state's vast regions taking part.

The Central Crows have named a strong team featuring representative and Intrust Super Cup experience including Gavin Hiscox, Steve Franciscus and Jason Wardrop.

Exciting talent

They will come up against some exciting talent in the South East Queensland Representative team and the SEQ Division's Poinsettias, who have been selected from the Brisbane Rugby League A Grade competition.

The Men's pool will be rounded out by a Northern Marlins side that is a blend of former National Youth Competition Under 20s players, current and former Intrust Super Cup players and some great up-and-coming talent in the north out of the local A Grade competitions.

Strong performances at the Men's tournament may also result in selection in this year's XXXX Queensland Rangers team, which will play later this year.

Women

While the Crows will be searching for a three-peat; the South East Queensland Women's reign at the top of the divisional contest is even longer; with the area having dominated the silverware in recent years, mostly thanks to the strong South East Queensland Women's competition.

The Water Dragons were also undefeated in last year's tournament on their way to claiming the title, with some of their stars going on to earn selection in the Harvey Norman Queensland Women's team that featured in the Interstate Challenge.

However, this year, the two QRL State A Grade carnivals will run concurrently with the inaugural Harvey Norman Women's National Championship; meaning some key contributors to last year's success for SEQ will instead be playing for the Harvey Norman Queensland Women's City team and also the Queensland Country outfit.

Tough match-ups

In the QRL A Grade Women's contest, the new-look South East Queensland Women's team will be up against a determined Northern Marlins side and an ever-improving Central Crows outfit who will have names like Samartha Leisha and player of the future Sarah Field taking to the paddock.

The winner of the QRL State Carnival in both the Men's and Women's divisions will be resolved by their total points accumulated after the three days of play, with no finals to be played.

Entry fees

Adult Weekend Pass ($15)Adults ($7)Students/Age Pensioners ($3)Children Under 16 years of age (Free)